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Posted on: February 22, 2018

Frequently Asked Questions: City Budget

City Prepares for the Upcoming Budget Year

With the changes in the budget cycle, planning for Fiscal Year 2019 has already begun. To ensure transparency throughout this new budget process and to educate citizens, staff has prepared a few frequently asked questions below:

What is the City budget?

The budget provides a comprehensive annual financial plan of all City funds, expenditures and activities. In addition, the City budget outlines the proposed financial policies of the City for the ensuing fiscal year, describes the important features of the budget, and indicates any major changes from the current year. The adopted tax levy, including debt services are outlined in the City budget.

Does the City rely on partners/stakeholders/grants to fund budget projects?

The City evaluates all opportunities to partner with various stakeholders, grant agencies, and other governmental entities when considering funding sources for adopted projects.

What is Missouri City’s new fiscal budget cycle?

Oct. 1 to Sept. 30

How will the new fiscal calendar impact the budget cycle?

The newly adopted fiscal year will help the City become more efficient in the budget process, since the budget can be adopted after the certified tax values from the central appraisal districts are released in July and August.

How does the City’s budget planning process work?

The Financial Services Department prepares budget preparation documents in alignment with Council’s priorities and strategic plan. The various Department Directors and division heads will meet with the Financial Services and City management to discuss their basic budget items, as well as any supplemental and capital budget requests. As scheduled in the budget process, the City Manager will review all departmental budgets requests and make any adjustments that are deemed appropriate. The City Manager, Assistant City Managers, and Department Directors will meet with the Financial Services and Council Finance and Services Committee, which includes three Council members, to discuss various items in the proposed budget, and to address any items that are of concern to the City Council. These meetings are held prior to the submission of the City’s proposed budget to City Council. City Management, with assistance from the Financial Services Department, completes the proposed budget to submit to City Council for consideration in August.

How can citizens provide input and feedback for the budget?

During the budget process, citizens will have the opportunity to provide input and feedback to the City during various town hall meetings, and Walk and Drive Tours with the City Manager and Councilmembers that will be held throughout the budget cycle.

Where can citizens view the City budget and other financial documents?

The documents may be viewed on the City website on the Financial Services Department page at www.mctxfinance.com.

How does the City prioritize funding for projects each year?

Based on the City’s Strategic plan, Council’s priorities and available funding.

When will public hearings be held for the FY2019 budget and when will City Council approve the budget?

The City is working on finalizing dates and it will be posted on the City’s website, and in local newspapers when the dates are confirmed.